Essential Thailand

The rest of your day is free to start exploring.  Bangkok is the capital and largest city in Thailand. One of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities, Bangkok features modern buildings with awe-inspiring architecture, magnificent temples and palaces, canals that remain a crucial part of city life, and busy markets, all to be experienced on trips to Thailand. Bangkok is located in Thailand’s central plains, along the Chao Phraya River delta, which empties into the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 25 km to the south. Chao Phraya River meanders through Bangkok from north to south and plays an important role in the city’s daily life.

Accommodations:  Pullman Bangkok Hotel G

After the chants, take a walk around Wat Pho and see the vast collection of religious treasures on display. Admire the famed reclining Buddha image, which stretches 45-metres in length. Learn about the symbolism of the Buddha’s intricate footprint and witness devotees making offerings to this revered image.

The tour then continues to the nearby Grand Palace, which has served as the seat of Thailand’s revered Royal family for more than two centuries. Take a walk around the vast grounds, stopping in to explore the various temples, throne halls and museums within the compound. Visit the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddhist image in Thailand, and hear about its mysterious origins.

Take a break at midday for lunch in a riverside restaurant, enjoying delicious Thai food with fabulous views. Then continue onwards to visit Wat Trimitr, on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha.

Then take a long-tail boat. Move away from the high rises of the city and venture through the quiet canals upon which the city was built. Catch glimpses of the olden days, passing by charming neighborhoods built on the water’s edge.

Return to the main waterway, the Chao Phraya River, to visit Wat Arun. Meaning ‘Temple of the Dawn’, this riverside pagoda dates to the 17th century. Wander among the prangs (spires), the largest of which is built to resemble Mount Meru from Hindu mythology. Admire its incredible decoration with ceramic tiles depicting figures of Chinese soldiers and animals.

Following this insightful exploration of Bangkok, return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Accommodations:  Pullman Bangkok Hotel G (B/L)

Bangkok is claimed to be the city that never stops eating. Bangkokians usually find themselves eating out at night, especially street food, which the city is also well known for.

Be taken for a ride and make various stops at local places in which even smells will definitely delight your taste buds. From the local favorite Northern Thai-Isan Food, the best kept-secret Guay Tiew Gai guaranteed with a Michelin star for 2 consecutive years, and one of the best Pad Thai in town popular for both locals and foreigners alike, all bites are then truly pleasing!

Between the bites, make some nice stomach breaks at the city’s old town landmarks. Visit Wat Pho, the famous iconic sight of Bangkok for a nighttime perspective, and here, be wowed by its illuminated chedis while learning all about the history of the temple. Also, walk through the city’s largest flower market, Pak Klong Talad, which is busy 24-hours a day with wholesale vendors and local shoppers. Explore the stalls where orchids, flowers, vegetables and other items spill over the crowded stalls. Here, there is a chance to taste some local snacks or fruits.

The night ends with a final stop outside a secret, hidden bar located by the river. Sip a chilled Thai beer or a non-alcoholic drink while enjoy an amazing night view of the Chao Phraya River along with the glittering Temple of Dawn. After the tour finishes, be dropped off at the hotel by tuk tuk.

Accommodations: Pullman Bangkok Hotel G (B/D)

Eventually occupied by the Burmese in 1556, Chiang Mai later became part of Siam in 1775. Chiang Mai started growing economically and culturally and soon became the unofficial capital of Northern Thailand.

Accommodations:  Tamarind Village (B)

Then continue higher into the hills, traveling by songtaew, a local truck. Drive along rough dirt roads to the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project. Enjoy a fresh cup of locally-grown Arabica coffee and hear about the North’s flourishing coffee industry.

It’s a short drive onwards to a village inhabited by the White Hmong Hill Tribe. Spend time exploring the village, meeting the inhabitants and learning about the traditions and customs of this unique ethnic group.

Following this insightful village visit, return to the songtaew and drive back to Chiang Mai.

Note: The Chang Khien Coffee Research Project is not guaranteed for a visit. If it is not the time for coffee growing, it is likely to be closed to the public. The alternative for coffee tasting will be at the hill tribe village.

Accommodations:  Tamarind Village (B)

Upon arrival at the camp, meet an elephant mahout, be introduced to the elephants, and learn about their story and daily lifestyle. Interact and play with the elephants under mahouts’ supervision and form a bond with them. Enjoy a walk alongside them and enjoy watching them play in the mud pond. Learn to communicate with them and how to prepare nutritional food and desserts for them using various natural ingredients. Also, have fun bathing and soaking the elephants in a big pond. Lunch is served at the camp.

Accommodations:  Tamarind Village (B/L)

Located approximately 536 miles (863 km) south of Bangkok, Phuket is approximately the size of Singapore, and the province’s borders include other smaller, nearby islands.

The capital town of Phuket, located southeast of the island, has the highest population in the province and is its economic hub. A great place for Thai shopping, Phuket Town features an architectural blend of Chinese, Thai, and Portuguese buildings and shops.

Offering plenty of water sports, golfing, world-class resorts, mountainous beauty, and tropical climates on a Thailand vacation, it is easy to see why Phuket is known as the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’.

Accommodations: The Vrijitt Resort Phuket (B)

Cross the emerald-green waters of the bay, passing by dramatic limestone karsts and uninhabited islands. Go ashore at ‘James Bond Island’, a distinctive rocky island that is a popular place for photos.

The day is filled with other fantastic stops. Cruise through a pristine mangrove forest, getting a close look at the incredible ecosystems created by these ancient plants. Stop at secluded beaches to go swimming alongside colourful tropical fish. There is plenty of time to explore secluded beaches and soak up the sun. Around midday a scrumptious picnic lunch will be served in a scenic location. Enjoy the fresh air and tropical breeze while dining on a delicious meal.

As the sun begins to dip low into the sky, return to Phuket.

Accommodations: The Vrijitt Resort Phuket (B/L)